Visiting Lyon in France for An Extended Stay
Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and UNESCO World Heritage city, rewards visitors who stay beyond a quick weekend. With its blend of Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, riverside promenades, and world-famous dining scene, you’ll want a home base that’s as comfortable as it is convenient.
Lyon, France’s gastronomic capital and UNESCO World Heritage city, rewards visitors who stay beyond a quick weekend. With its blend of Roman ruins, Renaissance architecture, riverside promenades, and world-famous dining scene, you’ll want a home base that’s as comfortable as it is convenient.
Below, discover how to choose the right apartment-hotel (or long–stay rental) and an insider’s outline of top experiences to savor when you make Lyon your home for a week—or even longer.
Finding the Perfect Extended-Stay Accommodation
When you’re settling into Lyon for more than a few days, an apartment-hotel offers the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of a furnished flat, with the services and security of a hotel. You’ll feel far more “at home” than in a standard guest room, and still enjoy conveniences like housekeeping and 24-hour reception in an apartment hotel Lyon France.
Key Benefits of Apartment-Hotels:
• Space & Privacy: Separate living, sleeping and kitchen areas let you spread out and live like a local.
• Self-Catering Ease: Full kitchens make it simple to shop at markets like Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and prepare your own meals.
• Flexible Rates: Weekly or monthly pricing often includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and optional housekeeping.
If you’d rather explore other long-stay rental styles, Lyon has plenty of options as well.
• Airbnb “Entire Place” Apartments: Ideal for families or groups, often include washing machines and multiple bedrooms.
• Local Flat Shares (“Coloc”): For solo travelers on a budget, share a furnished flat with Lyonnaise roommates.
• Corporate Rentals: Turn-key serviced apartments geared toward business travelers, often fully managed with utilities included.
Top Things to Do in Lyon for Extended Stays
Spending more time in Lyon lets you go beyond the highlights and experience the city at a leisurely pace. From wandering hidden medieval passageways to drifting along the riverbanks, an extended stay gives you the freedom to dive deep into Lyonnaise culture, cuisine, and countryside.
Whether you’re here for work, study, or the simple pleasure of soaking up day-to-day life, these experiences will help you feel like a true local—while still ticking off must-see sights.
Key Experiences for Longer Visits:
• Wander Vieux Lyon & Traboules: Explore the cobblestone streets of the Renaissance quarter, peek through ancient “traboules” (secret passageways), and visit St. Jean Cathedral.
• Savor Lyonnaise Cuisine: Dine at classic bouchons, sample regional specialties like quenelles and sausage, and stock up on gourmet goodies at Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.
• Stroll or Cycle the Rhône & Saône Banks: Take advantage of miles of flat riverside promenades, floating cafés, and bike paths—ideal for an active morning or sunset picnic.
• Visit Fourvière Hill & Roman Ruins: Ride the funicular up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica, then explore the ancient Roman theatre and Odeon amphitheater below.
• Immerse Yourself in Art & Museums: Spend an afternoon at Musée des Beaux-Arts in a former abbey, or marvel at the futuristic architecture and exhibits of Musée des Confluences.
• Shop & People-Watch on the Presqu'île: Window-shop along Rue de la République, relax at Place Bellecour, and discover hidden boutiques between the Rhône and Saône.
• Take a Beaujolais Day Trip: Venture north into rolling vineyards, visit hilltop villages like Oingt, and taste crisp Gamay wines at local domaines.
• Join a Festival or Cultural Event: Plan your trip around signature moments like Fête des Lumières (December light festival) or check the Opéra de Lyon calendar for performances.
• Relax in Parc de la Tête d’Or: Enjoy one of Europe’s largest urban parks complete with a free zoo, botanical garden, lake with paddleboats, and expansive lawns.
• Learn from a Culinary Class or Food Tour: Deepen your gastronomic knowledge by joining a local chef for a cheese-and-charcuterie tasting or a hands-on cooking workshop.
Whether you’re in town for a month of remote work, a leisurely sabbatical, or simply to dive deep into France’s culinary capital, choosing the right extended-stay accommodation and pacing yourself through Lyon’s rich tapestry of history, food, and culture will ensure a trip you’ll never forget. Safe travels—à bientôt à Lyon!
